🛩️FAA Issues New Airworthiness Directive for Bell Helicopters
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters
Summary
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-24- 09, which applied to certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 430 helicopters. AD 2021-24-09 required a visual inspection of the main rotor (M/R) pitch link clevis (clevis), rod end, and a certain part- numbered universal bearing, performing a purge grease, and performing a magnetic particle inspection of each M/R clevis, and depending on the inspection results, removing or replacing certain parts and performing additional actions. AD 2021-24-09 also required recurring inspections of each M/R clevis and each universal bearing. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-24-09, the manufacturer has reduced the life limits of the affected parts and introduced new M/R pitch link assemblies by re- identifying the M/R pitch link assemblies that were required to be inspected by AD 2021-24-09. This AD requires similar actions as AD 2021-24-09 but reduces the life limits and requires replacing the M/R pitch link assemblies with re-identified part numbered assemblies. These actions are specified in a Transport Canada AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Agencies
- Transportation Department
- Federal Aviation Administration
Business Impact
$$$ - High
The FAA's Airworthiness Directive (AD) imposes compliance requirements that directly affect operators of Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 430 helicopters. Business owners must prepare for increased inspection and maintenance costs, altering their operational budgets and compliance strategies.